Match Preview: Inter vs Saints

Get ready for Southampton's huge UEFA Europa League clash away to Internazionale by checking out our in-depth match preview.

What’s at stake?

For Inter, it is reaching do or die stage in Group K. Having suffered defeat in each of their opening games, another loss would likely leave the Italian club with too much to do.

There is additional pressure on the team and their manager, Frank de Boer, having lost their last three across all competitions, with the side currently lying 11th in Serie A after their opening eight matches.

When it comes to Southampton, a victory could prove to be something approaching a decisive blow, having taken four points from their opening two games, with that leaving them level at the top of the group with Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

Another three points would put Claude Puel’s side in a significant position of strength, as they bid to secure a place in the knockout stages.

Team news

Inter captain Mauro Icardi. (Action Images)

Inter:Midfielder Marcelo Brozović could be in line for a return to the side, after being absent for the last couple of weeks, with Frank de Boer revealing he is ready to play.

Top scorer and captain Mauro Icardi, who has drawn the ire of some Inter fans for comments in his autobiography, also remains in contention to feature, despite being sanctioned by the club.

Southampton:Saints are without Nathan Redmond, Cédric, Ryan Bertrand and Matt Targett, who are absent from the 21-man party for the trip.

Club-record signing Sofiane Boufal is included in the group, and could be in line to make his debut for the club.

Inter’s stand-out player this season has been Mauro Icardi, with the striker having contributed seven goals across all competitions, as well as three assists.

The Argentinian has only been used as a substitute in the team’s opening two Europa League matches, but could play a bigger role tomorrow, with the Italian side in need of a win.

However, it has been a difficult week for the captain, who offended a portion of Inter fans with a passage in his autobiography, leading him to make an apology this week, while also being sanctioned by the club.

Charlie Austin has extended his lead as Southampton’s top scorer this season, with his double in the 3-1 win over Burnley taking his tally for the campaign to seven.

Two of those goals have come in the Europa League, as he netted twice in the 3-0 victory over Sparta Praha. Austin did not have a chance to add to that total against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, as he was rested for the trip to Israel.

Top scorer: Charlie Austin (7)Most assists: Six players (1)

Previous meetings

This will be the first ever meeting between the two clubs. Inter are fairly well-versed against English opposition, though, having faced 11 different sides during their history.

Did you know?

– Only two English sides have beaten Inter away from home – Arsenal, in 2003, and Liverpool, in 2008.

– However, Inter have lost their last four games in European competition, which has only happened to them once before, in 1961.

– Charlie Austin has taken three shots in the Europa League this season, and scored with two of them.

– Inter have the second lowest shooting accuracy in the Europa League group stage right now, with their 26.1 per cent ahead of Zorya Lubansk’s 21.4 per cent.

Not at the game?

Saints will be backed by 6,715 supporters in the San Siro, but will be cheered on by many more back at home – and we will have all of you covered.

Our new Matchday Live Centre on southamptonfc.com will offer the most immersive way of experiencing the game, while also featuring FREE live commentary.

Additionally, we will also be offering plenty of updates and behind-the-scenes access on our social channels. You can follow us on them here: